HOUSTON, TEXAS (June 6, 2013) - Legendary heart surgeon Denton A. Cooley, M.D., surgeon-in-chief, founder and president emeritus of the Texas Heart Institute, has made the largest single gift from an individual to the Texas Medical Center Library since Jesse H. Jones funded the original building’s construction.

The gift is dedicated to the Library’s capital campaign to complete a major renovation of the Library’s interior. The main entrance will be named the “Denton A. Cooley, M.D. Exhibit Hall” and will showcase Dr. Cooley’s pioneering work in cardiovascular surgery.

“Having Dr. Cooley’s name displayed so prominently in the TMC library seems fitting for a giant of the Medical Center,” said Dr. Max Buja, Executive Director of the TMC Library.

Dr. Cooley’s contribution begins the transformation of the 1954 library into a destination for collaborative work and study for all members of the institutions of the Texas Medical Center (TMC) and the community.

In 2012, Dr. Cooley committed his collective body of work in cardiovascular surgery and his groundbreaking legacy to the care of the Library. The public and TMC Library visitors from around the world will be able to see some of Dr. Cooley’s contributions through exhibits showcasing the work of the man who helped change the future of cardiovascular medicine and surgery.

The Texas Medical Center Library is undertaking a $22 million capital campaign to create a Library Without Limit. More than half of the funds, $14 million, will be used to renovate the Library’s space, upgrade the physical plant and relocate the archives and rare books to the John P. McGovern campus at the TMC. The remaining funds will provide improved technology for electronic access, innovative services and staff training and the creation of a permanent fund to provide for future financial stability.